The Imagine Moore Podcast

The Baker Family & The Pines Times: Connecting Community in The Pines

In this episode of the Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young sits down with Ashley Baker, co-owner of The Pines Times—the go-to events calendar and community connector in The Pines of North Carolina. Alongside her husband and two daughters, Ashley has taken the beloved platform to new heights, launching The Pines Connector, a monthly gathering for meaningful conversations, and preparing for the debut of Pine Fest NC, a 10-day celebration planned for 2026.
Ashley shares the story behind buying The Pines Times from longtime owner Sue Deutsch, her vision for its future, and how the Bakers are building something that celebrates small-town magic while creating big connections. From event planning to creative services, she’s weaving together stories, events, and people in ways that make The Pines feel like home.
Plus, hear Ashley’s custom jingle, written just for her by Rose!
Stay connected: Learn how to join The Pines Connector, get involved in Pine Fest, and subscribe to the Pines Times newsletter.
Sponsored by More Biz Spots—connecting people to spaces and spaces to opportunity.
 
 

The Magic Wand of Destiny: Kathy Stoddard Torrey on EQ & Leadership

 Imagine Moore Podcast welcomes leadership coach, author, and speaker Kathy Stoddard Torrey for a conversation that will change the way you think about work, relationships, and even yourself.
Kathy has spent more than 20 years helping leaders and organizations around the world elevate their emotional intelligence and build cultures rooted in trust and connection. She’s the author of Elevate Your Emotional Intelligence: A Parable that Reveals the Path to Better Relationships and a Happier Life, and in this episode, she unpacks the practical tools that anyone can use to communicate better, manage stress, and lead with curiosity.
We talk about her signature concepts like the Magic Wand of Destiny, the Three-Question Rule, and why curiosity is the “weapon of choice” for emotionally intelligent people. Along the way, Kathy shares stories from her international leadership trainings, her book, and even her life as a grandmother of five, kayaker, and sci-fi fan.
Stick around for a fun quick-fire round, Kathy’s custom jingle, and practical takeaways you can start using today.
✨ Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or just trying to improve your day-to-day relationships, this episode will leave you inspired to elevate your emotional intelligence.
 Learn more about Kathy at Positive Effect Leadership
htpps://kathystoddardtorrey.com
 

From Okinawa to Opera: A Life in Song and Service

Today's episode is brought to you by More Biz Spots, where your business finds its space. Need an office for a day, a conference room for a week, or a meeting space without a year-long lease? We've got you covered. Flexible, local, and designed to help your business grow. Learn more at morebizspot.com.
In this special solo episode of the Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young takes the mic to share her own story. With her scheduled guest sidelined by a last-minute Covid scare, Rose opens up about her journey—from growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, to teaching overseas with DoDEA in Okinawa’s Blue Zone, where crystal-blue waters and Taiko drumming shaped her family’s life, to singing in German opera houses, and finally to finding home in Moore County.
Along the way, Rose reflects on the lessons of 45 years of marriage (“keep trying”), teaching across all four branches of the military, directing musicals, and building a new chapter as an entrepreneur, podcaster, and community leader.
You’ll hear about:
The “one-year adventure” that turned into 20 years overseas
What it was like to be the only American in a Taiko drumming group
How German opera singers forced her to learn their language
Building Imagine Moore Events, Moore Biz Spots, and this very podcast
Why she believes every business—and every person—has a story worth sharing
Rose also shares her excitement about becoming President of Kiwanis of the Sandhills and why she’s always writing a special jingle for each of her podcast guests.
It’s a story of persistence, creativity, and community—proof that life rarely goes as planned, but always leads exactly where you’re meant to be.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode so we can keep lifting up the voices of our community.
 

"The Heart of Weymouth: Julie Borshak on Arts, Events, and Inspiration"

Join Rose Young as she explores the heart of Southern Pines with Julie Borshak, Director of Programs and Events at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. In this episode, we dive into all the creative magic that happens at Weymouth—from the upcoming 2025/2026 season filled with arts, music, and literary events, to the spooky Spirits of Weymouth haunted tour. Julie also shares insights about the Hall of Fame Writers Museum and the Writers in Residence program that brings talented authors from across the country to Southern Pines.
Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a bit of creative inspiration, this episode will leave you excited to get involved in the vibrant arts scene at Weymouth. Tune in and discover how Weymouth is making Moore County a hub for creativity, connection, and even a few ghostly surprises!
 

“Dancing Through Data: Teresa Robinson on Shag Steps and Smart Tech”

What do you get when you cross a Carolina Shag champion with an AI consultant? You get Teresa Robinson, president of the Moore Area Shag Society, owner of TR Marketing, and one of Pinehurst’s go-to experts for helping businesses dance their way into the future.
In this episode, we talk about Teresa’s journey from dance competitions to consulting on cutting-edge marketing tools, how she and her husband found a home (and a dance floor) in Pinehurst, and why she’s helping Moore County businesses step confidently into the world of AI.
Plus: a rapid-fire round that reveals her personality, a jingle written just for her, and a peek at Moore Podcast Central, where local stories take center stage.
Whether you’re curious about AI, ready to dance, or just love a good local story—you’ll enjoy this conversation with one of Moore County’s most dynamic leaders.
 

Live Life by a Compass, Not a Clock – Featuring Keri Cameron

In this episode of The Imagine Moore Podcast, we’re trading the 9-to-5 for sunshine, suitcases, and soul-stirring adventures with Keri Cameron, owner of Journeys By Keri at Embrace the Journey Travel.
With over 30 years of globetrotting experience, Keri doesn’t just plan vacations—she crafts unforgettable journeys that help you live life by a compass, not a clock. From the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Keri shares stories, laughs, and travel tips that’ll have you ready to book your next escape ASAP.
We talk dream destinations, travel transformations, Five Alarm Vacations, and how she makes travel stress-free and soul-full. Plus, don’t miss the Quick Fire Round where we find out if she’s team aisle seat, suitcase roller, or zip-lining karaoke queen.
Want to connect with Keri? Visit JourneysByKeri.com or follow @JourneysByKeri on social!
 

"Sparking Leadership and Safety: Insights from Fire Chief Mike Cameron"

In this episode of The Imagine Moore Podcast, we sit down with Chief Mike Cameron—Southern Pines Fire Chief, Assistant Town Manager, and longtime community leader. From his early start as a 16-year-old junior firefighter to overseeing multiple departments in town leadership, Chief Cameron brings a lifetime of experience to the mic. We explore the most common emergency calls, tips to keep your home safe, and how to enjoy fireworks without turning your backyard into a no-go zone. Plus, we close with a rapid-fire round where we learn his favorite firehouse meal, who he'd draft for his celebrity safety squad, and his take on duck-sized horses. Tune in for practical safety advice, leadership lessons, and a few laughs with one of Moore County’s finest.
 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review—your support keeps the conversation burning bright!

The Imagine Moore Podcast Introduction

Welcome to the Imagine Moore Podcast – where local stories spark big ideas. Hosted by Rose Young, this show dives into the real journeys of Moore County’s entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and creative minds. From bold beginnings to business breakthroughs, we’re here to inspire, connect, and celebrate everything local.
🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and Imagine Moore.
 

Leading with Heart: Angela Thompson on Home, Hustle & Community

In this episode of the Imagine Moore Podcast, Angela Thompson of The Angela Thompson Group with Keller Williams shares her inspiring journey from farm life in Vass to leading in luxury real estate. With heart, hustle, and a passion for community, Angela offers insights on leadership, client care, and why she lives by the motto: “Don’t leave home without us!”

Unstoppable success with Annmarie Cannan

On the latest Imagine Moore Podcast, we're hanging out with Annmarie Cannan — the design powerhouse who’s been moving walls (literally) since she was 10 years old! 
From sewing prom dresses to designing dream spaces, Annmarie proves that a little imagination can turn into unstoppable success. 
Tune in for real talk, big inspiration, and a few laughs — because around here, we don’t just dream… we Imagine Moore.